A--Medical Research and Development in Casuality Care and Management

The Office of Naval Research (ONR 341) is soliciting pre-proposals and proposals directed at applied and advanced development aspects of medical research focusing on the care of casualties resulting from hostile acts. There are insufficient data available on how to diagnose injuries inflicted by thermobaric weapons, and how to treat them. Models and therapeutic approaches to blast injury are encouraged as are triage and treatment methods for burns for the first responder. Additional areas include hemostatic agents or devices that are affordable and capable of achieving hemostasis of soft tissue wounds; novel therapeutic interventions for shock; and improved delivery of fluids to hypotensive casualties.In light of changes in threats, missions and protective equipment, the ONR is also interested in programs that would track the relative frequency of wound and injury types and area(s) of body affected in various operational settings (urban, desert, jungle) against symmetric and asymmetric opponents in various mission types (peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, etc). We are also interested in programs that could: (1) accurately project effect of treatment delays on mortality/morbidity; (2) identify "critical" interventions; (3) produce wound/injury taxonomies, severity scoring, and characterization as to resource requirements; (4) track casualties; (5) casualty models specific for scenario, setting, unit size and weaponry. The goals of the ONR Casualty Care and Management program are presented in more detail on the Internet at http://www.onr.navy.mil/sci_tech/personnel/ and below. In addition to the above areas, any novel approaches that may save lives on the battlefield or maintain functionality of the casualty will be considered, especially those that identify risk or enable mission completion without medical consequence. Techniques and technologies suitable for use by first responders or limited license practitioners are a priority. Decision support system integration into diagnostic and therapeutic technologies is important. Further information is available from the Technical POC: Dr. M. Given, 703-696-4055, E-mail: givenm@onr.navy.mil. It is not the intent of this solicitation to establish new facilities; investigators should be able to demonstrate the required research capability and the necessary facilities. Pre-proposals whose main objectives are to conduct analyses, literature reviews, or program evaluations are not encouraged. A copy of the Full BAA Announcement is located at www.onr.navy.mil/02/baa/.